Luckily for us health and fitness freaks, the previous year (or two!) have been in all possible colors of delicious wellness – from funky protein sources, the rise of the goji berry, all the way to probiotic-rich kombucha, the world has become well-educated on the topic of health.

Thanks to the still-soaring revolution in our collective mindset, we are yet to experience the super-healthy trends for 2018, and this is our forecast for the upcoming months!

All-mighty apple cider vinegar

If you think that this is nothing more than a simple salad dressing perfect for summer, you couldn’t be further from the truth. The humble apple cider vinegar has been around for as long as we could squish apples into this divine remedy, but it has made a comeback in many versatile forms.

From being used as a healthy hair rinse to remove all chemical buildup, adding a few spoons to your lettuce, to sipping it for the sake of lowering your blood sugar levels, it has become one of the go-to superfoods that make your diet a breeze.

Hemp is all the rage

Yes, this lovely plant is no longer limited to boho-inspired fashion and hipster-style clothing, but it has finally taken its throne as one of the most nutrient-dense treats out there. Packed with healthy fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), protein and micronutrients, hemp seeds are an excellent source of essential nutrients, thus a perfect addition to your diet.

They are derived from cannabis, but due to extremely low amounts of THC, they don’t cause any symptoms similar to marijuana, so no need to fear that you might get giggly after adding some hemp to your dish.

Algae supplements

Who would have thought that we’d live to see the day when fish oil is no longer considered the best source of omega-3 fatty acids? While still a popular supplement, you can find numerous vitamins online whose main ingredients are algae, such as Royal Green algae, loaded with these essential fats.

They are also a perfect plant source of high-quality protein and fiber, and not only do they work wonders for your digestion and immune system, but they also keep your hormones in balance.

Ayurveda to the rescue

As with many unpronounceable words, the Ashwagandha herb has been used for hundreds of years as a part of Ayurveda’s healing practices, and it has finally become available in the “mainstream” health food courts.

It’s incredibly powerful against insomnia, anxiety or other symptoms of stress, and it also helps boost your natural defense mechanisms. You can take it both as a powder or as capsules, but it’s easy enough to introduce into your daily menu.

Cricket protein, anyone?

The Meatless Monday movement certainly has its benefits, but why not switch to a much more plentiful source of protein, inspired by none other than Bear Grylls? Crickets may not seem like your cup of tea, but they are considered as a much more sustainable source of protein to replace meat, and those who dare to taste it claim it’s actually quite tasty.

If you feel a bit reluctant, you can try it in the form of cricket flour, and have a go at making your own protein bars with it as your main ingredient. Do your best to cut your meat consumption, but not at the cost of cutting your protein intake, making crickets your healthy alternative!

Watermelon seeds

I don’t know about you, but when we were kids, we would always skip the seeds and munch only on the juicy pink part. Apparently, one 2018 superfood has been hiding under our very noses (literally, especially if you eat watermelon the good old-fashioned way), and it’s as delicious as it gets.

Add watermelon seeds to your nutrition, and you’ll enrich your diet with a superb source of protein (31 grams per cup!), magnesium and vitamin B, among many other goodies hiding in those tiny treats. Add some to your breakfast cereal, and if you have the patience, sprout them before eating, as that’s the best way to consume them.

Maqui berries front and center

Antioxidant-rich foods have always been the top pick of health gurus, and since the last year’s berries include the famous acai, goji and aronia, it’s only natural that 2018 deserves its own superfruit – the maqui berry. If you got tired of your last year’s berry infusion to your oatmeal and daily snacks, make this your next vitamin-infused breakfast fruit.

Just like its many sibling berries, it’s very effective in reducing inflammation, good for immune support and keeping your heart healthy.

BIO:

Sophia Smith is beauty and style blogger, an eco-lifestyle lover and a food enthusiast. She is very passionate about natural skincare, minimalist wardrobe, yoga and mindful living. Sophia writes mostly about beauty-related topics in her articles. She has contributed to a number of publications including: Eco Warrior Princess, Viva Glam Magazine, How to Simplify and Carousel.

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Hello and welcome to Better LIVIN! I’m Rachel, a 34 year old mama and substitute teacher in Southern Alberta, Canada. This blog is about hiking and other outdoor adventures, fitness, healthy living, and life in general. See my About page for more info!

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